Inside Russia: Economic struggles and the shadow of censorship
British journalist Steve Rosenberg, in a video posted on the platform X, presented a detailed analysis of the Russian press. He highlighted that there is open discussion about issues such as Russia's economic problems and acts of censorship. However, there are topics that are never raised.
According to the journalist, Moskovsky Komsomolets highlights "price fever" on its front page, warning that inflation in 2025 poses a significant challenge for the economy and everyday Russians. The publication notes that prices for essentials such as vegetables, housing and utilities, medicines, and transportation continue to rise.
Meanwhile, in the weekly "Argumenty i Fakty," a chart shows that over the past year, milk prices have risen by almost 20 percent, apple prices by 20 percent, cucumber prices by 22 percent, beetroot prices by 32 percent, butter prices by 35 percent, cabbage prices by 42 percent, onions prices by 46 percent, and potato prices by over 90 percent.
Not only high prices, but also "acts of censorship"
However, the newspapers speak not only of high prices. An article appeared in "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" about a performance in a theatre in Novosibirsk based on a play by 19th-century Russian playwright Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin. The described story appears "like an act of censorship."
This satirical drama about a bribe given to a government official suddenly disappeared from the theatre's repertoire, according to an analysis by a Russian BBC News editor. According to media reports cited by him, the play was allegedly removed from the programme at the explicit recommendation of the security agency. According to the journalistic material, the decision was preceded by a complaint from a dissatisfied viewer.
As Steve Rosenberg points out, cancelling performances based on a denunciation is unacceptable and a glaring violation of the constitution. It may even be an abuse of power or overstepping of authority. He emphasises that censorship in Russia is prohibited.
"There are topics that are not addressed"
Summarising his material, the British journalist emphasised that such articles show that despite the strict restrictions under which Russian media currently operate, there is still room for criticism of specific issues in the country.
However, as he points out, specific topics are never addressed - newspapers do not feature direct criticism of Vladimir Putin or articles questioning the war in Ukraine.
